HidForge — guide
How to prepare your computer and how to connect to another one, plus autostart limits and best-effort window mode.
Host computer (the one people connect to)
1
Install and run HidForge
For the best control in games, run the app as administrator.
2
Link the computer
Sign in → the app → My devices → Add a computer. On this computer, run the shown command HidForgeLink.exe --pair=CODE.
3
Password (optional)
Without a password every connection waits for your approval. With a password people can connect without approval; a wrong password is refused.
4
Restore the same ID
After reinstalling: My devices → Restore ID → run the shown command HidForgeLink.exe --recover=CODE. The ID stays the same.
Viewer (the person connecting)
1
Open the app
Sign in and open the app (or "Connect to another computer" in the menu of the program's icon by the clock).
2
Connect by ID
Enter the ID and choose View only or Ask for control. The owner sees the request and decides.
3
Control
If the owner allows it, turn on Control and click the picture. Win, Alt+Tab and Ctrl+Esc are not sent. Switching windows releases held keys.
Autostart limits
Autostart is a Task Scheduler task named HidForgeLink at Windows sign-in (not a service, not the lock screen). As administrator it runs with highest rights, otherwise with normal rights. Turn it off with HidForgeLink.exe --remove-autostart. Do the first link manually.
Best-effort window mode
The app shows only the chosen window while it is visible. It is not an OS sandbox: if the window closes, minimizes or focus moves to another app, the picture and control pause. Fullscreen games work better in borderless windowed mode.
This page does not enable sales. While sales are off, places cannot be bought.